The Ruling on Transliterations For Ahaadith, Supplications, and Adhkaar – Shaikh Abdul-Muhsin al-‘Abbaad

Question: What is the ruling on writing the texts of the Prophetic Ahaadith and Adhkaar in transliteration?

Answer: “Translate it. [As for] translating its meaning, there is no harm. As for translating the texts in transliteration, then that cannot be done. This is because the ordering of words in Arabic is not like the ordering of words in other languages. This is because the adjective comes before that which it describes in other languages. In Arabic, that which is being described precedes the adjective. Transliteration is not possible nor can occur. What should [be done] is translation of its meaning. Yes”.

[Sharh at-Tirmidhi no. 315]

In another question, the Shaikh is asked about the same issue and it is clarified to him that transliteration may not change the order of the words. The Shaikh (may Allah preserve him) concludes: “The Adhkaar, as it is well-known, should be done in the Arabic language. So a non-Arab should learn Arabic until he is able to do so. However, the one who is not able to do so, then he supplicates in other than Arabic…”